Nate has lost his job, his parents and his brother. He retreats to the family cabin but finds that a man and a young girl have broken in. The adventure begins. Special Forces are chasing the girl, Artemis Darth Vader and they go on the run.

Very well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Strong characters in this well paced novel. Artemis is very special and unique and the Government want her back. Can Nate and Alex keep her safe and will life ever be the same again?

I loved TJ Klune's House on the Cerulean Sea and I loved Somewhere Beyond the Sea so when there was an option for an advanced copy of "the sci-fi romance adventure I never knew I needed", I was in!

In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his older brother wants nothing to do with him, and he's been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington DC. With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family's summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon to try and find some sense of direction. The cabin should be empty. It's not. Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, who isn't exactly as she appears.

What I love about TJ Klune's writing is his ability to create and develop a character that you end up falling in love with, laughing with and crying with. I LOVED Art soooo much. I love the humour and warmth of this little girl and the adventure that she's living. Alex is the greatest protector of Art and I love how he and Art give Nate something to live for. This is a really great story and Art is undoubtedly the star of the show.. I don't want to give any more away as it's such a great adventure to go into blind - enjoy this out of this world adventure!

Thank you to Netgalley, TJ Klune, and Macmillan UK Audio/Tor for a complimentary audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Bones Beneath My Skin is the latest book by TJ Klune and is a love letter to the 90's and the sci-fi of that time. We follow Nate, who after his parent's deaths and losing his job, goes to stay at the cabin in the middle of nowhere that he inherited. However, the cabin is not empty and he finds a man and a little girl there who will change the course of his life forever and help him learn to live again.

This was a truly beautifully written book, steeped in nostalgia, wonder and love. I grew to really love the three main characters in this book and I rooted for them to be happy. Much like in Under the Whispering Door, this book deals with grief and being able to move on from it, as well as following a protagonist who learns what's truly important. This book has been compared to Stranger Things and I can definitely see the comparisons here with the character of Artemis Darth Vader and in the plot elements of government conspiracies, and escaping from the people out to get them - this book is more adult though in nature but it definitely took me back to movies I watched in the 90s like ET. The story arc and plot elements feel much like they came from era, in a way that really adds to the atmosphere and magic of the book. The found family was a perfect through line, and it felt very believable.

The audio narration for this book was good, though I really didn't like the voice given to Artemis unfortunately but overall it was a decent listen. I knocked off half a star because of the plotline involving the Farm which I really didn't like and was a very dark and uncomfortable turn that I don't think needed to be in the book. I know that despite this books release being in 2025, it was actually previously written and I assume, independently published back in 2018 and I'm glad it's getter a wider release now and this really is a special story.

Final rating: 4.5

This was my first experience of TJ Klune and now I know that it will not be the last.
While I found the first 50% of the book was paced a little slowly it was still engaging enough that I wanted to keep on listening which payed off in the second half when everything seemed to happen at once. I enjoyed the cult aspect especially the similarities to the hale bopp comet and heavens gate and found the three main characters to be super lovable, I really was cheering them on from the start.
The only thing that put me off a little was the quite intense sex scene about 80% of the way through as while the romance had been building throughout it felt a little out of place given the rest of the story however from reading other reviews it seems that this is quite normal for Klune so at least I will be prepared the next time!

Above all this is a love story between three quirky characters - Artemis, Alex and Nate. Original and emotional, sweet and full of joy. However I found it a little long / overly drawn out in places and a little too twee / sentimental in some ways.

I was incredibly excited to receive the opportunity to listen to Klune‘s newest release. This story did not disappoint - it has so much heart and was definitely a page turner!

The story begins with Nate. Nate is at his lowest low, we quickly find out that his parents have died in a murder suicide. Yep, his dad murdered his mum and then killed himself. I was shocked at how quickly this story became very heavy with very serious situations. Nate has been left a secluded cabin in the woods by his parents and has decided that he’s going to go out to stay there having nothing left for himself - no friends, no job, no life.


The story very quickly gets into the main plot and we meet Alex and Art. This is where the story becomes humorous. Klune has a brilliant way of writing his books to include such warm interactions between the characters. I laughed out loud so many times!
This is also where the story hooks you in - things are not as they seem. I don’t want to say too much more than this because there are so many parts that unravel and are slowly pieced together bit by bit that keep you wanting to know more.

I do feel it’s very important to say that having read Klune before, and having found his books very clean, this story is not! There are some seriously spicy scenes in this book that really did take me by surprise. For me , personally I didn’t need them in this story and didn’t feel that they added any more to the plot, however other people might see this very differently! The first kiss was written beautifully and I would have been happy enough with that!

I really enjoyed listening to this story. It was well narrated and each character had a distinct voice. There is a clear message to the story - a family is who you love, who you are willing to have your heart broken for, those you chose again and again.

I have definitely read certain similar themes before and will say that I didn’t feel that this was anything overwhelming new to the market, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same.

“You made me a home out of nothing, out of a place where one shouldn’t exist “

Thank you for the chance of an early listen.

T.J. Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin is a heartwarming exploration of healing, connection, and the importance of chosen family. The novel follows Nate, a disgraced journalist retreating to his deceased parents' cabin in an attempt to escape his complicated life and past. However, solitude is far from what he finds when he arrives, as the cabin is already occupied by Artemis Darth Vader, an eccentric and captivating young girl, and her gruff, protective guardian, Alex, an ex-Marine.

One of the book's most compelling elements is the found family dynamic that forms between these characters. Klune excels at creating relationships that feel both organic and deeply emotional. The bond between Nate, Artemis, and Alex evolves in beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, ways. Artemis, with her quirky personality and unique way of viewing the world, is the star of the show, bringing much-needed light and humor to the story. Her presence alone gives the narrative a sense of joy and warmth, as she draws out the best in those around her.

The romantic subplot, however, is a bit more underdeveloped. While there’s clear chemistry between the love interests, the development of their relationship feels somewhat rushed. Aside from shared experiences and a few tender moments, the emotional buildup between them isn’t as fleshed out as one might expect. While this doesn’t detract from the overall story, it’s a noticeable aspect for readers who are hoping for a deeper exploration of the romantic connection.

Overall, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel about the ways in which love and family can heal even the most broken of people. The strength of its characters and the light Artemis brings to the narrative makes it an uplifting read, despite its occasional underdevelopment in the romance department. Klune’s signature warmth and humor shine through, making this a book worth reading for fans of quirky, heartfelt stories about found family and personal redemption.

4.75⭐️. I loved this book so much and have already pre-ordered the sprayed edge edition from Amazon!

I read, and really enjoyed, the Cerulean Chronicles last year, and I think that anyone who liked that trilogy will also enjoy this book. It has a very similar vibe, although reads more adult.

This story follows Nate, a young man who’s recently lost his parents and his job, and who decides to head up to the cabin he’s been left to get some rest and regroup. Except, upon arrival, he finds an ex-marine and a child, squatting in his home.

“He wasn’t sure if he was being held hostage, or being robbed or was becoming the third person in their cult.”

TJ Klune writes supernatural children like no one else and I fell in love with Art throughout the course of this book, which also had Klune’s trademark irreverent humour:

“Oh, that’s ok. You know how to make toast, that’s good enough for me.”
Nate didn’t think he’d ever received such a simple validation in his life.

I felt the full spectrum of emotions while reading this book, from laughing out loud (“Mean dog that hides, how strange.”) to feeling introspective:

“You’re all capable of such great and terrible things, and in such a short amount of time. You are surrounded by millions of those like you, yet you can still feel alone…you’re complex and yet so simple at the same time, it’s a dichotomy that shouldn’t exist.”

I do think TJ Klune is sometimes quite heavy handed in the way that he delivers his messages (there’s not a lot of subtly) - “They’re scared of what they don’t understand” - but they’re important messages that need to be said and are, unfortunately, a reflection of the world we live in.

This is the second TJ Klune book that I’ve listened to rather than read (the other being Somewhere Beyond the Sea) and I really like the audiobook narrators he uses. 100% recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook arc.

Four stars for this tale of extra terrestrials, high octane action and what it means to be human.
Nate had lost everything, personally and professionally, except for a cabin in the woods. When he returns for the first time in years, he encounters an adult male and a little girl and a gun to his head. So why is Nate about to get everything he wants and needs?
This book is grittier and darker than TJ Klune’s other books so don’t pick it up expecting another House in the Cerulean Sea. The writing brilliant and the author still does what he does really well; found family. I can take or leave storylines about UFOs normally but I really liked how Artemis was like a mirror, reflecting all the nuances of what it means to be human. I was invested in the book by the fantastic characters. Who wouldn’t find themselves becoming fond and protective over Artemis? Or in the changing relationship between Nate and Alex and the changes in themselves as people. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the author’s other books, the sci fi genre and books about found family.

The narration of the good, keeping you engaged with the story. However, it’s a real personal bug bear of mine when male narrators attempt female voices. For me it sounds inauthentic and disengages me from the audiobook. I would really welcome dual narrators going forward.

Thanks for the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange of an honest review.

This book was such a beautifully unexpected mix of heartbreak, hope, and quiet brilliance. The Bones Beneath My Skin gave me serious Stranger Things vibes with its mix of mystery, danger, and an extraordinary little girl with secrets that will steal your heart.

The story starts with Nate, who’s down on his luck and dragging around his personal baggage like it’s an Olympic sport. When he stumbles upon Alex and Artemis (yes, Artemis Darth Vader), the tension builds almost immediately. Why are they hiding? What’s so dangerous about this little girl? TJ Klune lets the mystery unfold slowly, and I was hooked.

Artemis is pure magic. She’s this wonderful mix of childlike innocence and unimaginable power, and the way the adults in her life react to her is so deeply human. Nate’s journey from someone barely surviving to a man willing to risk everything for the people he loves is emotional and raw, and Alex? His quiet strength and loyalty were the glue holding it all together.

The themes of found family and redemption hit me hard, as they always do with TJ Klune’s books. The writing has that perfect mix of heart and humor, with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

If you love character-driven stories with a touch of sci-fi, complex relationships, and a ton of heart, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a must-read. It’s one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.



The narrator of The Bones Beneath My Skin did an incredible job bringing the story to life. Each character had a distinct voice, with Artemis’ innocence and mystery shining through, and Nate’s emotional journey felt raw and authentic. The pacing was perfect, balancing tense moments with heartfelt ones, making the audiobook an engaging and immersive experience

What starts off as a slow come to the boil cup of smooth coffee ups its pace dramatically when the mysterious element takes off.
A story of what it means to be human and all the good and bad that’s go with it.
The narrator brings a warmth to this unusual story. The characters become so distinctive and real the more into the story you get.
A story that keeps you thinking long after you finish listening.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

4⭐️
Okay I love Artemis 🥺 and love her relationships with Alex and Nate (found family arc spot hit). Don’t go in to this expecting whimsical and magical, it’s definitely heavier in it’s themes and I felt like it did take a while for the story to actually get moving - I was a *lil* bored the first 50% but after that it was great. I’ve seen a lot of people saying it gives Stranger Things vibes which I get from the Sci-fi point of view but I could also see similarities between Art and Alex’s relationship and Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us (the ‘babygirl’ quote especially, IYKYK 😭). Also felt like the 1 spicy scene was a bit random but it’s the TJ way.

I love some of Klune's books, but others are a struggle. Unfortunately, this was the former. The story was very slow, and by the time it got going I wasn't very interested in the characters. It's a shame though, I'm sure there are plenty of people who would love it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I really want to like Klune's books more than I do. They are always beautifully written, original and poignant abd yet something doesn't quite connect for me. Really enjoyed the concept here and had a good time reading this. Just not a favourite

The review is going to be the same as I also received the ebook version of this book. This review also includes an opinion about the narrator.

After hearing so many good opinions about this author I thought I'll give it a try. And as much as I love found family tropes, I just didn't feel it here. The characters were not loveable, the pace was so slow my mind was wandering a lot.

In general the narrator was good however when he was voicing Art it was very off putting. This might be the main reason I disliked the book, although to be honest I didn't like Art in general anyway and the voicing didn't help.

I went into this book with high hopes, but it quickly became clear it wasn’t my cup of tea.

I listened to the audiobook, and it honestly felt like a test of patience I hadn’t signed up for.

The story meandered endlessly, with nothing to draw me in or make me care about what was happening.

Not for me, but hey, it might be just your cup of tea; stranger things have happened!

Artemis Darth Vader is EVERYTHING!

Everything I tell you!

This review is going to be so hard to write without spoilers, so I'm going to be vague...and probably a bit gushy!

Nate's life has imploded, so he high tails it off to his parent's cabin to get some perspective. There, he finds a man called Alex and a little girl called Artemis Darth Vader, who have basically broken into his cabin......

This book, this story, was everything. It had everything, a crooked government project, a cult, the hardened protector, small town vibes, found family and love. And Artemis.  Totally loveable Art.

It was weird, it was adorable and it was EVERYTHING (I might have said that before!)

Oh, and I did see mention of Green Creek, woohoo!

Probably my favourite TJ Klune so far. I pretty much loved everything about this story. The only thing that marred it slightly was the graphic sex scene at around 80% through, which I’m learning is almost a signature thing in Klune’s adult fiction. The rest of the story is so heartfelt and gentle that it feels out of place and (imo) a ‘fade to black’ would have fitted the tone of the story better.
Having said that - what a great story. It’s packed with fascinating characters, each with a rich history and distinct personality.
Artemis Darth Vader steals the show, but she has a superb supporting cast.
There’s plenty of action, tension and ALL the feels. You’ll need a box of tissues handy as you get to the end. The audio narration is chock-full of emotion, so maybe read the ebook if you don’t want to turn into quite so much of a melting mess! (You’re still gonna need those tissues.)
💯 recommend, with five stars from me.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan Tor for the chance to read an ARC. The Bones Beneath My Skin publishes on 6 February.

Not my usual genre/themes of book. But I enjoyed this. Klune definitely has a way of writing about characters that make you really care about them, without overloading you with backstory. Everything is just enough.
Will be exploring Kluned back catalogue after this.
Audiobook flowed really well. Overall really enjoyed this.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of the audiobook, all opinions are my own.

The story gives a 1990s, "stranger things" vibe - Nate is headed to his parents cabin in the woods to try and work out what to do with his life, but when he gets there he finds Alex and Art squatting there, and neither of them are quite what they seem. It's tense, a little bit spooky and the mystery holds out long enough to be intriguing without being irritating. It is impossible to say much more without giving the story away but this was surprisingly action packed (police chases, guns, helicopters, cults - oh my!) whilst still giving me the soft, big feels and quick witted humour TJ Klune is known for. The romance isn't the primary focus but it is integral to the story and to the characters, and I really enjoyed listening to it develop.

This was a <I>great</I> audiobook. The narrator did a wonderful job of Nate, Alex and especially Art's voice. TJ Klune excels at writing the voices of young children, and the narrator really brought her to life.

I received an audiobook ARC of this from Netgalley and Macmillan for Tor books in exchange for an honest review.